As we embrace the spirit of October and continue to honor the incredible contributions of educators, the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) proudly shines the spotlight on remarkable teachers who inspire and shape the future. In celebration of National Teacher’s Month, we highlight Mr. Dan Amiel Moral, an inspiring force in the field of fisheries and aquaculture at ASCOT Casiguran Campus. Currently serving as an Instructor I and Research Coordinator in the School of Fisheries, “Sir Dan” is an ASCOT alumnus who brings a wealth of passion and expertise to subjects like Fish Nutrition, Aquaculture Engineering, and Hatchery Management. His impressive credentials include securing Rank 7 in the Fisheries Technologist Licensure Exam in October 2017, with a notable rating of 84.75. As a Fisheries Technologist, he plays a vital role in managing and sustaining our precious aquatic resources, ensuring a brighter future for fisheries in the Philippines. He began his teaching journey at ASCOT in October 2021, transitioning from a fulfilling career as a Science Research Specialist at the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute. There, he not only conducted research but also trained BFAR staff and instructors from various State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide, sharing cutting-edge biotechnological advancements in fisheries. With nearly five years of hands-on experience, he felt compelled to give back to the community by nurturing the next generation of fisheries professionals, especially those from his home province of Aurora. “Para sa akin, ang pinakamahalagang katangian na dapat taglayin ng isang guro ay ang mindset ng patuloy na pagkatuto. Upang mas lalong mapalawak yung kaalaman nating mga guro, para mas maging effective at timely yung mga ituturo natin,” he shared. Despite his enthusiasm for teaching, Sir Dan faces challenges, particularly in managing frustrations while maintaining a positive outlook. He often sacrifices personal time to ensure he delivers his best, yet the gratitude he receives from his students makes it all worthwhile. One of his most cherished moments came when a student recognized his efforts as going beyond the typical teaching role, a reminder that his impact resonates deeply. “Ang pinakamasarap na gantimpala para sa isang guro ay makita ang mga batang naturuan at na-mentor namin na nagtagumpay sa kanilang mga buhay.” – Sir Dan He believes in making learning enjoyable. He peppers his classes with lighthearted jokes in the local dialect, Casiguranin, keeping students engaged and alert. “Ang Aquaculture ang paborito kong ituro kasi kaya ko itong ituro kahit hindi ako masyadong nakapag-prepare,” he says with a smile, highlighting his confidence and passion for the subject. Interestingly, constructive feedback from students motivates him the most. “Kapag nakakatanggap ako ng negative feedback, doon ko nakikita yung mga flaws ng paraan ko ng pagtuturo. Ito yung nagiging dahilan para mas mapabuti ko at mas maging effective ang paraan ng aking pagtuturo,” he explained, showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement. Outside of academia, he finds joy in fishing and leads the Casiguran Anglers Club. For him, fishing is a stress reliever and a way to connect with nature. The club promotes responsible fishing practices among the youth, focusing on sustainability and environmental care, including clean-up efforts during fishing trips. They even host an annual fishing tournament, drawing participants from across Luzon, fostering a sense of community and environmental stewardship. Looking ahead, Sir Dan envisions a future serving the public as a fisheries professional, but his passion for teaching remains unwavering. His advice for aspiring educators? “Pagbutihin ang kanilang pag-aaral. Kunin ang lahat ng pagkakataon na pag-aralan ang mga puwede nilang matutunan. Ito ang magiging sandata nila sa pagpasok sa mundo ng pagtuturo at higit sa lahat, manalig sa poong maykapal,” he advised, offering invaluable guidance for those entering the field. Sir Dan Amiel Moral’s journey exemplifies the profound impact dedicated educators have on their students. His story is a testament to the fact that teaching is not just a profession but a calling—one fueled by passion and a commitment to shaping the future. This National Teacher’s Month, let’s celebrate inspiring educators like Mr. Moral, who make a lasting difference in their students’ lives. #Ascot2024 #TeachersMonth2024 #Bayani
ASCOT Employees Attend Tax Seminar
Accomplishing BIR-related matters of start on the first month of the new fiscal year. This is necessary to do because it is through our taxes that the government gets some of its funding. We all get taxed one way or another. Those earning 250,000php and below are exempted from paying taxes, but it does not mean that they do not pay any taxes at all. The taxes they pay are included in the things that they purchase, the value-added tax. Every year employees go to the accounting office to get the necessary forms such as their sworn statements and income tax returns. After filling up forms, they proceed to the Bureau of Internal Revenue office and pay the fee. Since most of the job orders and contract of service employees earn PhP250.00 and below, they need to file their sworn statements to prove that they indeed are eligible for tax exemption. Should employees fail to do this, they are going to be taxed until they file it. Earlier this year, confusion ensued because some of the employees were unaware that they were taxed or had to pay a fee for late income tax return filings and such. Many went to inquire at the Accounting Office. Employees demanded an explanation. They were caught off-guard by the fees. The fees were non-refundable. To address the concerns of the employees, the Accounting office together with the Gender and Development team decided to conduct a tax seminar. They tapped the Atty. Raquel R. Dujunco, CPA, the legal officer of ASCOT. The seminars were scheduled on Feb. 23-24, 2021. Seven sessions were scheduled. On the first day, three sessions were dedicated to COS/JO with no other income and one was for COS/JO with other income. On the second day, one session was scheduled for regular employees with no other income and another one was for regular employees with other income. Employees listed their names on their preferred batch and time. Each session took at least an hour. Atty. Dujunco, CPA thoroughly explained the difference in the requirements for those earning less than 250k and those earning more than 250k. She pointed out that for COS/JO employees, what ASCOT gives them is not a salary, but rather a professional fee. This is because there is no employer-employee relationship between the COS/JO and ASCOT. She reiterated that in order to be eligible for tax exemption, the employees must provide proof. Thus, the need for the sworn statement and the payment of 500php every year to the BIR. For COS/JO employees with other income, they need to inform the accounting office because if their total exceeds 250k per year, they will be taxed. Income Tax Return was also tackled. It should be filed on or before April 15. This was discussed extensively since this was where some COS/JO employees got confused because they paid penalty fees for late filing. The attendees left each session with more understanding about the taxation of compensation. Health protocols were followed before, during, and after the seminar.
INSTALLATION OF STAND-ALONE SOLAR-POWERED LED STREET LIGHTS AT ASCOT ZABALI CAMPUS
ASCOT Zabali Campus in Baler, Aurora brightens up with the installation of fifty (50) Stand-Alone Solar-Powered LED Street Lights strategically set within the area of the campus. The said project with an original Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of ?5,823,860.70 should have actually been awarded to a winning lone bidder sometime in March 2020. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic that implemented the community quarantine, all construction projects were suspended by the government including the aforementioned. Consequently, it has effected the DBM to slash at least 35% of the budget allocation and the fund for the project was left with a reduced ABC of ?3,101,024.50. The HoPE thus declared the previous bidding a failure invoking RA 9184 Section 41. c) (iii) if the source of funds for the project has been withheld or reduced through no fault of the Procuring Entity. College Engineer Jerome M. Galam, Architect Emil Nelius G. Sindac, Jr., and Project Engineers Rafael V. Ruyol, Gillianne M. Castillo, Abraham M. Nidoy, Raymond P. Dela Rosa and Regine Delos Santos, immediately made revisions to the original plan to correspond with the new ABC. Also, the new project is concentrated at Zabali Campus while another project is scheduled for Bazal and Casiguran Campuses. A bidding with the new ABC was conducted on June 30, 2020 and then again on September 16, 2020, participated by two (2) bidders but it was declared a failure. A negotiation was made with interested bidders and in the BAC-TWG’s evaluation CONRADO B. BAUTISTA CONST. & SUPPLY CORPORATION was declared to have the lowest calculated responsive bid and was awarded the project at a contract price of ?2,486,002.81. The installation of the Stand-Alone Solar-Powered LED Street Lights is now completed. The same project intended for Bazal and Casiguran Campuses is now on its procurement stage.
TRAINING ON BOTON PRODUCT PROCESSING AND UTILIZATION
Training on “Boton Product Processing and Utilization” was conducted on October 1-2, 2020 at the Farmers’ Training Center (FTC) Dibet, Casiguran, Aurora. Participants were forty (40) members from the Pangkasama Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Casiguran. The training consisted of the following flow: Opening Program with an Invocation led by Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon; National Anthem by Ms. Maribelle A. Soriano; Opening, Welcome Remarks and Overview of the Training, by Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, PhD, the Project Leader; and then Messages from Lordan B. Roxas, EdD, the General Manager of PANGKASAMA Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Hon. Ricardo A. Bitong, MD, the Chief Executive of LGU Casiguran; and Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr., PhD, President of ASCOT. The second part on the program started with the Introduction of Boton (Barringtonia asiatica) as Molluscicide discussed by Jonah G. Zante, PhD; followed by Gender Sensitivity – An Integration by GAD Coordinator, Jomer B. Mangawang; and then lecture and discussions on Processing of Boton Powder by Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, PhD and Jomer B. Mangawang; and Boton Powder Utilization by Jonah G. Zante, PhD and Chenie Mae T. Bibon. The first day ended with an Open Forum moderated by Ms. Rica Nicole Y. Napoles. The second day of the training was purely field demonstrations on collection, de-husking, drying, shredding, pulverizing, preparation of mixtures and field application of boton powder. The day successfully ended with impressions and commitments from the participants, assessment of the training, awarding of certificates, acknowledgment and closing remarks. The previous boton project entitled, ”Production, Field Testing, and Commercialization of Boton (Barringtonia asiatica) as Biopesticide” was able to develop boton powder that is effective in controlling golden apple snails which are considered `pests’ in rice production. The proponents of the project are on the process of looking for prospective adopters of the technology, hence, training are conducted to develop awareness among rice farmers who are potential adopters. The rice farmers who are members of groups, associations or cooperatives were selected through proper coordination with the Local Government Units, particularly the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist from the three municipalities of the northern part of Aurora Province namely; Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan. The objectives of the training were; to discuss the benefits that can be derived from the boton biopesticide; demonstrate the processing of boton into powder which is effective as molluscicide; perform actual use and application of the molluscicide; and encourage potential adopters of the technology from the participating groups. The participants of the activity were trained on how to process the boton seeds into powder and the proper use of the powder as molluscicide in identified rice fields infested with golden apple snails. The effect of the molluscicide will be observed after its application. The said training served as venue in motivating rice farmers to adopt the boton technology with the hope that negotiation and arrangement with the groups as possible adopters be done, and in turn, transfer of the boton biopesticide technology will be achieved.
DAAS ORIENTATION PROGRAM: “AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW NORMAL”
Nobody should be left behind amidst the pandemic. The Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences (DAAS) of ASCOT Bazal Campus conducted series of orientation program for first year, transferees, and old students, with the theme “Agricultural Education in the New Normal”. The first orientation was conducted on August 31, 2020 at Maria Aurora, Aurora then on September 3, 2020 at San Luis, Aurora. The DAAS team then proceeded to Casiguran on September 15, 2020 and to Dilasag the following day, while the municipality of Dipaculao was scheduled on the 17th and Baler, Aurora on the 18th of September 2020. The orientation and modules distribution was spearheaded by the Department Director, Dr. Evi Q. Fontanos, together with the General Education and Agriculture Faculty and Staff. DAAS, in partnership with the said municipalities, prepared a short program that provided the students information about the things that they needed to know in studying at ASCOT. Likewise, the orientation helped the students to be enlightened about the new normal in the education system. The highlights of the program were the Introduction of the faculty and staff led by Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan; followed by a discussion of the Policies on Student Affairs and Services (SAS) by Dr. Riosahlie Y. Madrid; then the Policies and Mechanics of Online Class Implementation under New Normal by Dr. Evi Q. Fontanos; and lastly, the Campus Policies were discussed by Mr. Mark Vincent Padilla. After the program proper, students were grouped into designated areas according to year level to meet their instructors and be briefed regarding the policies in their respective enrolled subjects. Likewise, modules were distributed and specific instructions were given to the students who made use of the opportunity to air their queries and uncertainties in this time of the new normal in the education system that they will be facing. Then, the program concluded with a closing remarks by Ms. Maribelle A. Soriano, the program chair. In the course of the activity, everyone saw to it that health protocols were observed like wearing face mask, physical distancing, and use of disinfectant. The DAAS is grateful that everything went right and well through the joint effort of all the members of the DAAS family with the support of the College Administration and partner municipalities. Random pictures of the activity.
GENDER SENSITIVITY TRAINING-WORKSHOP (MODULE PREPARATION)
ASCOT GAD sponsored a Gender Sensitivity Training-Workshop on Module Preparation, held on August 25, 2020 at the Accreditation Hall, Dr. Juan C. Angara Building, ASCOT Zabali Campus, Baler, Aurora. Participants of the program included all GAD Coordinators and Members of the GAD Technical Working Group (TWG). Mr. John Claufer Malapitan acted as overall facilitator. In the GAD Director, Malou C. Angara’s opening remarks, she mentioned that the present situation brought about by the pandemic should not limit one’s desire to pursue his/her advocacy. She reiterated the need of giving Gender Sensitivity training to everyone, particularly to the newly hired members of the faculty and that instead of having a face-to-face training, a modular GST is an alternative measure to adopt. College President, Dr. Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr. delivered an inspirational message wherein he encouraged everyone to continue their advocacies and hoped that in the pursuit of such, it will eventually open the minds of those who refuse to understand and make change. Likewise, the president administered the awarding of the winners in the brochure making competition that the GAD office has initiated among themselves. Winners were: Joshua Dela Cruz and Lara Tereza Arcillas for their entry “End Rape Culture Now” and Jomer Mangawang and Raiza Kate Ico for “Bawal Ang Bastos: Safe Space Act”. Other entries were: “Stop Bullying” by Regina Candelario and Melissa Garace Nacino; “Mental Health Awareness” by Amparo Roberta A. Espinosa and Joh Claufer Malapitan; and “Adolescent Pregnancy” by Jeffrey G. Susada and Malou C. Angara. For the GAD advocates, it was a humbling experience when the president spared the team his precious time for a casual table talk/discussion. At the start of the training proper, TWG Member Jomer Mangawang provided the participants an overview of the training by mentioning the following topics – Family Planning, SOGIE Bill and Magna Carta for Women among others. Then, Ms. Malou Angara introduced the invited resource person, Mr. Kevin Lawrence G. Romas, a video editor from Tripzilla Philippines, Southeast Asia’s leading culture and travel digital media platform that reaches over 25 million users monthly. Mr. Romas discussed the topic on Policy on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Making and presented the different applications available for use in making brochures, booklets and other IEC materials. He also focused on graphic design and layout and emphasized the use of fonts, colors, and space in designing. At one point in the workshop, the participants were grouped in pairs and were assigned topics for brochure making such as: Malou C. Angara and Melissa Grace Nacino on Magna Carta for Women; Joshua Dela Cruz and Amparo Roberta A. Espinosa on Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood; Regina Candelario and Marlon Linggon on Drugs; Raiza Kate Ico and Sandy Bitong on Gender Fair Language; James Matthew Viernes and John Claufer Malapitan on SOGIE Bill; and Jomer Mangawang and Jeffrey Susada on Human Trafficking. It was followed by the presentation of outputs which were collected by the GAD director after the workshop. The training-workshop ended with the awarding of certificates to the participants.
DICT LAUNCHES TECH4ED CENTER IN ASCOT
Our lives are now changing upheaved by the changes brought by COVID-19, we are now entering a ‘new normal’ wherein online is the new trend even in our education system. So, to bridge the digital and education divide, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched a Tech4Ed Training Center at Aurora State College of Technology three (3) campuses (Zabali, Bazal and Casiguran including FTC, Dibet, Casiguran) for Technology Empowerment, Education, Employment and train Entrepreneurs towards Economic Development (Tech4Ed) on August 25 at ASCOT- ICTC Office, Zabali Campus. ASCOT is the first SUC in Aurora to launched Tech4Ed Center. Tech4Ed aims to establish sustainable ICT centers nationwide as delivery channel for relevant ICT-enabled services and content for socio-economic development of the unserved and undeserved communities towards improved quality life. The launching started with a prayer led by Ms. Charisma Valenzuela, BSIT staff followed by National Anthem. The opening remarks was given by Dr. Rotaquio wherein he expressed his deepest gratitude for the DICT in helping and supporting ASCOT in providing quality education even in this time of pandemic. A special message was also given by Director Reynaldo Sy, DICT- Regional Director for Luzon Cluster 2 through Ms. Roma Herminigildo, DICT-Aurora Project Development Office I wherein he assured that Tech4Ed will provide access points for individuals and communities to bridge the digital and education divide. After that, Ms. Herminigildo presented the what Tech4Ed is all about. During the ceremonial launching, the DICT- Aurora headed by Engr. Ravenal De Jesus, DICT Provincial Head. and ASCOT College President Dr. Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr., and ASCOT Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Eusebio V. Angara with the assistance of the ASCOT Vice President for Planning and Finance, Forester Michelle A. Resueno signed a memorandum of agreement. After the signing Dr. Angara gave his message of thanks and acceptance followed by the closing remarks of Engr. De Jesus.
ASCOT RECENTLY CONCLUDED THE ANNUAL IN- HOUSE REVIEW OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PROPOSALS AMIDST PANDEMIC
The Aurora State College of Technology through the initiatives of Forester Maria Cristina B. Canada, Director, Research and Development Services Office (RDSO) and staff conducted the Annual In- House Review of Research and Development Project Proposals last July 2, 2020 amidst the pandemic. This is the first time that the College conducted this activity via ZOOM to avoid mass gathering and maintain physical distancing. This year’s In-House Review showcased eight proposals for social research category and nine proposals for the experimental research category. All the proposal write-ups and presentations were evaluated by experts from ASCOT Research Ethics and Technical Committees, DepEd- Aurora and Philippine Rice Research Institute. For the social research category, the panel of evaluators were composed of Forester RB J. Gallego, Chairman of the College Research Ethics Committee, Dr. Cris Dan Barcelo, Peer Reviewer of International Research Journal for Educational Leadership and Management, and Dr. Erleo T. Villaros, Chief Education Supervisor of DepEd Aurora. On the other hand, For. RB J. Gallego, Dr. Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr., College President and Chairman of College Research Technical Committee, and Dr. Roel S. Suralta, Scientist II and the Director of DA- Crop Biotechnology Center, PhilRice were the evaluators for the experimental research proposals. Dr. Jay M. Amon topped the social research category with his proposal entitled “Parents’ Involvement in Distance Learning Amidst COVID-19 among Indigenous Students in the Coastal Areas of Aurora”. Maribelle A. Soriano on the other hand got the 1st place on the experimental category with her proposal entitled “Development of Edible Fern Technology Through Production and Post-Harvest Practices in Aurora Province”. Maria Cristina B. Cañada bagged 2nd place for both the social and experimental categories with her proposals “Gender Sensitive Utilization and Management of Mangrove Forest in Barangay Esteves, Casiguran, Aurora, Philippines” and “Growth and Yield Responses of Tissue-Cultured Lakatan (Musa acuminata AA Group) to Inorganic and Mykovam Application”. Dolores Salvacion F. Tolentino with her proposal “Career Development and Employability of ASCOT Graduates: A Tracer Study” got 3rd place for social category while Gerryc P. Alfonso settled for 3rd place in the experimental category with his proposal “Blue Carbon Stock and Species Diversity Assessment of Mangroves in Aurora Province, Philippines”. For the proposals to be funded by the RDSO, these must have passed final evaluation by the College Research Ethics and Technical Committees. Other proposals with high budgetary requirement will be endorsed to external funding agencies.
TRAINING ON E-LEARNING USING ZOOM APPLICATION FOR ASCOT FACULTY AND STAFF
The world is beset by CoViD-19 pandemic. In this current situation wherein most business establishments and institutions including schools are experiencing lockdowns and quarantines, different measures are being undertaken in order to continue working and supplement functions and responsibilities. Thus, utilizing video conferencing tools is now a must in this global shift to the “new normal”. One of the challenges that the College has to respond is the utilization of flexible learning (CHED) and/or blended learning (DepEd). Hence, ASCOT’s Information Communication and Technology Center (ICTC) together with its Extension and Training Office, spearheaded the conduct of a training on E-Learning using Zoom Application for all ASCOT faculty and staff. The activity aims to equip participants with technical know-how and expertise in the use of online Zoom Application for conducting meetings, lectures and classes in preparation for the “new normal” set up. The said training is scheduled on May 20 to June 5, 2020 at the three campuses of ASCOT. Training for faculty and staff of Zabali Campus started on May 20 until June 1, 2020; June 2, 2020 for Bazal Campus; while Casiguran Campus is on June 4-5, 2020. The expertise of the following resource persons is being employed: Godfrey B. Gudoy, Director for ICTC; Mike M. Robles, ICTC Staff; and Casper Jay T. Ortiz, ICTC Staff; while the Director for Extension and Training Office, Ricardo G. Gonzales, Jr., acts as Facilitator of the training. In order to accommodate all the faculty and staff, the seminar is scheduled on a daily basis having a maximum of ten participants in every morning and afternoon session. With the limited number of participants, it is able to abide by the rule of safe physical distancing inside the venue. According to ASCOT President, Eutiquio L. Rotaquio Jr., it is expected that the training on Zoom Application will be utilized as platform starting 1st Semester of SY 2020-2021 whether the GCQ will be lifted or not. In relation to this, ASCOT is also currently undertaking the upgrading of its Wi-Fi connections through the DICT to ensure the provision of a more efficient and effective information and communications system. -Araceli Bitancor